On the prevention of injuries and unlawful behavior among minors

February 5, 2024

Through the joint efforts of prevention entities in the Gluboksky district, parents, and other interested parties, it was possible in 2023 to prevent child fatalities from external causes and crimes committed by minors residing in the region.

Through the joint efforts of prevention entities in the Gluboksky district, parents, and other interested parties, it was possible in 2023 to prevent child fatalities from external causes and crimes committed by minors residing in the region.

Despite this, a decrease in the activity of authorized entities in this area, and the vigilance of parents and other interested parties regarding the behavior of minors, is unacceptable, as isolated incidents of child injury and suicide attempts occurred during the specified period.

In 2023, law enforcement agencies also identified cases of crimes committed in the Gluboksky district related to sexual violence against minors.

Adolescence is typically the most challenging period in a minor's life. During this age, there is an active search for and exploration of everything new, including prohibited things. Therefore, minors need to clearly know their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences that may arise from rash, risky actions that often do not comply with legal requirements. To convey preventive information to minors, district prosecutors regularly speak at educational institutions and in the media. At the same time, it is deemed necessary for parents to constantly explain the rules of safe behavior to their children and to strengthen control over their compliance by minors. It is also unacceptable to leave children unsupervised near water bodies or other potentially dangerous objects.

The issue of preventing minors from committing crimes related to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs remains relevant. Every month in the Republic of Belarus, law enforcement agencies initiate criminal cases under Article 328 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, related to the illegal sale of such prohibited substances, including

in relation to minors, who typically act as "mules".

For example, in October 2023, in the city of Vitebsk, a criminal case was initiated against a minor, who previously resided in the Gluboksky district, under Part 3 of Article 328 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus for storing a particularly dangerous psychotropic substance for the purpose of sale.

Every parent is obliged to explain to their child that if a teenager commits acts related to the sale (distribution) of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors and analogues, as well as the theft of narcotic drugs, responsibility arises from the age of fourteen.

Committing the specified actions invariably entails criminal liability in the form of criminal punishment, up to imprisonment.

 

Deputy Prosecutor

Gluboksky District